Dogs are becoming more anxious and stressed because their owners do not spend enough time with them as they juggle their busy lifestyles, according to a dog expert.

Before getting a dog ask yourself if you have time for it

“Our life has become fast and people barely have time for themselves, let alone their dog. As a result, dogs are not getting a suitable lifestyle for them. They feel lonely and bored and are not well exercised,” said dog behaviour consultant Robert Spiteri.

A dog often showed anxiety by barking a lot, biting objects and defecating indoors. But, very often, owners did not know how to read the signs and interpreted these actions as “naughty” behaviour, he said.

He said that such anxiety was becoming more and more common in homes.

Mr Spiteri has been training dogs for over a decade and experience has taught him that many owners go to extremes – they either spoil their dog or are too strict.

Dogs needed their owners to be firm, stable and loving.

“You have to understand what the dog needs and not all breeds need the same thing. Some are more hyperactive and prey-oriented and need more inter­action and exercise,” he said.

Involving a dog in sport and activities allows him to let off steam and enhances the bond, making the dog calmer.

Mr Spiteri is working on starting dog agility training where dogs can do sports and release energy.

Mr Spiteri’s love for dogs started from a very young age. As far as he can remember he always had a dog at home.

He eventually completed an advanced diploma in dog behaviour in Scotland.

As he got to understand dogs he developed a love for Rottweilers as stable dogs that are very trainable. He founded the Malta Rottweiler Club to challenge the bad reputation that the dogs have as they are often associated with violence.

“Any dog can be dangerous in the wrong hands. I see many cases of aggression and the majority are small dogs,” he said.

He demonstrated this through his dog Balto, a Rottweiler, which obeyed his every command and was affectionate and friendly.

Mr Spiteri believes that even if a dog has been aggressive “always give it a second chance” and rehabilitation is possible. There are various forms of aggression and some originate from fear, pain or possessiveness, he said – all it took was taking time to understand the animal.

“Before getting a dog ask yourself if you have time for it. Then you need to understand the breed and choose one that suits your lifestyle. There are hundreds of dogs that are loving and need homes,” he said.

Dog trainer Robert Spiteri with his friendly Rottweiler Balto. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli